Yaya Toure says he is confident Manchester City team-mate Mario Balotelli will demonstrate he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season, despite being "angry".

Balotelli has been linked with a move away from City in recent days after a prolonged spell of poor form and criticism for his performance in Sunday's Manchester derby.

However, Toure insists the Italian will work through his current frustrations in order to reach his potential by season's end.

"Mario is an unbelievable player, but sometimes he can be angry with himself," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"All players need to improve, and I talk all the time with Mario. This year especially he has been working hard in training, and improving well, but sometimes in the game you can get so disappointed when you lose small things.

"But he has fantastic character, and I know he will be one of the top strikers in the Premier League."

Toure also played down talk of City's lack of goals this term, suggesting the team's strikers need a little luck and they will be on track to join league leaders Manchester United in the title race.